Have you ever found yourself trying to get the attention of an audience who are busy talking with each other?
This often happens at industry events, especially where alcohol is being served, but it also happens at social events such as weddings and Christmas parties.
When you have to control the crowd and bring them to order to commence the speeches, it can be a real challenge - and the worst thing you can do is stand there waving your arms and yelling ‘Shhhhh’!
The good news is that managing a lively, chatty, slightly-tipsy crowd at an occasion such as an awards night is absolutely doable with the right mix of presence, structure and psychology.
Here are the most effective techniques used by professional MCs, facilitators and speakers. They’re helpful for many situations, but especially useful in environments where socialising (and alcohol!) is involved:
1. Start with the room, not the words
Before speaking, ensure:
Lights shift: slightly dim the room or add a spotlight to the stage. People instinctively look toward a lighting change.
Music cues: decrease music volume gradually, not suddenly, so conversation naturally drops.
Stage presence: Walk into the light, pause, and stand tall. Don’t speak until the room begins to quiet - people follow visual cues before audio ones.
This combo creates a behavioural interruption.
2. Use a “pre-start” cue
Give people permission to wrap up conversations by asking the AV team to make an announcement BEFORE you step on stage (this is called The Voice of God - VOG) Consider several announcements:
“Good evening everyone, the programme will commence in 3 minutes. Please take your seats.”
“Good evening everyone, the programme will commence in 1 minute. Please take your seats.”
“Attention everyone, please take your seats. The programme is about to begin.”
“Would you please welcome to the stage your host, [your name]”
3. Open with something that commands attention
Avoid: “Can I have your attention, please?” Instead use a tool that creates a pattern break:
Option A: Bold, upbeat energy
“Good evening, everyone!” (Pause. Smile. Hold the silence until noise drops.)
Option B: Humorous call-out
“I know the bar is very exciting, but I promise the show is going to be even better!” (It gets a laugh, rapport and attention.)
Option C: An applause moment
“Let’s start tonight by giving a huge round of applause to our finalists!” (It’s easier to join applause than to stop talking.)
4. Anchor your voice and pacing
When people have been drinking, your commanding presence matters more than the script.
Speak slightly slower than normal.
Use more vocal variety than in daytime events.
Pause longer; this draws attention faster than speaking over noise.
5. Use movement strategically
Move purposefully on stage, then stop and hold. The contrast catches eyes. If the venue has a runway or the ability to step forward slightly, using that space helps create proximity and authority.
6. Make it about them
People listen when there’s something in it for them:
“Tonight is all about celebrating YOU, so to make sure everyone hears the results, let’s bring the room to order.”
Or: “We don’t want anyone to miss a moment… especially the winners at your table.”
7. Create a “moment of unity” early
This bonds the room and quiets the energy:
“Before we begin, turn to the person next to you and wish them good luck, because I know some of you are finalists tonight!”
It gives conversation a controlled endpoint, and the room resets afterward.
8. Use the AV team as your partner
Use the AV to create cues to tell the room the main event has begun. Let them:
Bring lights up on stage when you enter
Bring houselights down
Cut the music at exactly the right beat
Use a “sting” (short sound effect) when you start
9. Don’t fight the noise; manage it
If chatter continues… Pause… Smile… Wait with confidence. The room will police itself. The moment you compete with the noise, you lose control.
10. Design the first 60 seconds purposefully
A strong, rehearsed, high-impact opening sets the tone for the entire evening, so take time to prepare it and deliver it with confidence and impact.
11. Choose your microphone carefully
Consider which type of microphone you will be using. Some MCs prefer a handheld mic and a clipboard, which gives a visual indication that they are in charge.
Alternatively, if the only option is standing behind a lectern, make sure you are visible above it (As a vertically challenged person, I’ve been known to stand on a box or step when the only option has been to present from behind a lectern!)
Hopefully that gives you some ideas for the next time you find yourself managing a lively crowd at a large event. Which techniques will you implement next time you have to manage a lively crowd? And if you have any tips I’ve missed, please share them in the comments!
Mel Sherwood is a Presentation Skills and Personal Impact Speaker, Founder of The RED Effect™ and Author of ‘The Authority Guide to Pitching Your Business: How to make an impact and be remembered - in under a minute!’ She works with global business leaders, teams and individuals who want to be more confident, credible and compelling. An Australian based in Scotland, Mel is an award-winning speaker, author and coach and combines over 25 years’ experience in business with a background as an actor, presenter and singer.